Can Chicago’s Star Quarterback Rewrite Bears History?
Chicago's offense is operating at a level fans haven't seen in a long time. In Ben Johnson's first year with the Bears, he has completely turned the team around. It has not always been pretty, but it has been effective. The run game has led the way, but the team's growth would be impossible without Caleb Williams' play. In fact, he is on the verge of making team history.
Erik Kramer currently holds the team record for most passing yards in a single season. In 1995, he threw for 3,838 yards. There have been seasons where players have gotten close, but for 30 years, no one has been able to take the throne. The main reason for this is that the Bears have lacked an elite quarterback for many years.
When Williams was drafted, the hope was that this streak would be broken. After a solid rookie season, many fans thought that the former first overall pick would be the one to make team history by becoming the first Bears quarterback to throw for either 4,000 passing yards or 30 passing touchdowns. It would take an unbelievable effort to pass those marks, but Kramer's record is very much in play.
Williams currently has 3,400 passing yards. This means that in the last two weeks, he would need to get 439 yards to claim the single-season passing record. If you were to split that evenly across the remaining games, it would be roughly 220 yards a game. This season, he has averaged 226.7 yards per game. It would not be demolishing the record, but if he meets his average, then that would be enough by about 12 yards.
On the bright side, the Bears may need to throw a lot in the final two games, as they face two teams with dangerous offenses. First, they travel to face the San Francisco 49ers, who have clinched a playoff spot. Then, they end the year hosting the Detroit Lions, who are still fighting for the playoffs. This would give Williams plenty of opportunities to break the record.
Despite the offensive success, the passing game has not been consistent. There have been highs and lows all season long. However, one thing has become clear: Chicago has finally found their franchise quarterback. With the playoff spot clinched, Williams now turns his attention to winning the division and cementing himself in Bears history.
